Gas cylinder valve

Abstract

Disclosed is a valve for connection to a pressurized gas cylinder. The valve includes a housing including a gas cylinder aperture which is connectable to a gas cylinder, and a housing conduit which extends through the housing from the gas cylinder aperture to one or more inlet / outlet apertures so that the valve is capable of providing fluid communication between the gas cylinder through the housing conduit and the one or more inlet / outlet apertures. A flow control ball within the housing conduit is movable between open and closed positions. Ball seals have sealing surfaces corresponding to a shape of the flow control ball for substantially sealing the flow control ball in the housing conduit. Other features include components for mounting the ball seals though one of the inlet / outlet apertures; components for mounting a stem to the flow control ball including bearings; live ports; a tube which can be removably connectable from the rest of the housing; provision for receiving an EFV and / or a PRD in the valve housing; and at least one of the ball seals and stem bearings being comprised of special polymeric material including polyetherimide or polyaryletherketone.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 600,567, filed Jan. 20, 2015, entitled “Gas Cylinder Valve”, naming inventor Stephen Alan Carter, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This disclosure relates to a valve for a pressurized gas cylinder.BACKGROUND[0003]In the field of high pressure gas cylinders, it is well-known to fit valves onto such cylinders in order to provide a closable opening to the cylinder. Such cylinders tend to contain gases such as natural gas or hydrogen, and can also be used to contain other gases such as nitrogen, helium, argon or air. The valve can be opened to allow either the filling or emptying of the gas cylinder, and then can be closed again once this operation is complete.[0004]A disadvantage with these valves, which are generally made of brass or steel, is the inefficiency of the flow of the gas through the valve. One ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent is about a new valve for gas cylinders that is made entirely of aluminum. This design has several advantages over traditional valves made of brass or steel. Firstly, aluminum is much lighter than brass and steel, meaning that the valve is much lighter than previous versions. Secondly, aluminum has better thermal conductivity than brass and steel, which is useful in valves where the temperature of the gas can drop to very low levels. Lastly, the valve uses O-rings made of a polymer called polyetherimide or polyaryletherketone, which are better suited for high-pressure gas cylinders and can withstand extreme temperatures. The valve is also designed to be a ¼ turn cylinder valve, meaning it can be operated with less torque and has low leakage. The valve is lightweight, robust, and has low torque, low leakage, and can be easily indexed and installed. The valve also uses high technology bearing and seal materials that provide low torque, long life, and low leakage. Overall, the new valve design is lightweight, robust, and has improved performance compared to conventional valves.

Problems solved by technology

A disadvantage with these valves, which are generally made of brass or steel, is the inefficiency of the flow of the gas through the valve.

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